A coalition of 13 left-leaning political parties on Monday staged a protest march towards the National Parliament, demanding the cancellation of what they described as an “unequal and anti-national” trade agreement signed with the United States, and calling for a parliamentary stance against global “imperialist aggression.”
The programme, organized under the banner of the Anti-Imperialism and Anti-War Alliance, began at the National Press Club and marched through Shahbagh, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate before gathering at the south plaza of the parliament complex. A memorandum was later submitted to the Speaker through a delegation of alliance leaders.
Addressing a rally before the march, leaders alleged that the recently signed Reciprocal Trade Agreement (RTA) with the United States undermines Bangladesh’s independent trade policy, tariff sovereignty, and public procurement system.
Presiding over the programme, BaSod General Secretary said the deal effectively “surrenders national interests to US corporate control,” warning that its implementation would harm local industries and agriculture, reduce workers’ wages and rights, and increase the cost of essential goods, including medicines.
Speakers also claimed the agreement was finalized in secrecy without informing parliament or the public, calling it a violation of constitutional procedures. They argued that the deal could restrict Bangladesh’s ability to trade with countries such as China and Russia, while increasing dependence on US imports, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), agricultural commodities, and military equipment.
Concerns were also raised over reported plans to procure 14 aircraft from Boeing, with leaders cautioning that such purchases at higher costs could put additional pressure on the national economy.
Among those who addressed the rally were Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan, Bangladesh JaSad General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan, Democratic Revolutionary Party General Secretary Mosharrefa Mishu, and Revolutionary Communist League General Secretary Iqbal Kabir Zahid, among others.
At the parliament premises, further speeches were delivered by BaSod Assistant General Secretary Rajekuzzaman Ratan, CPB leader Ragib Ahsan Munna, Bangladesh JaSad Standing Committee member Dr Mushtaq Hossain, and other leaders.
A five-member delegation, led by Bazlur Rashid Firoz and including CPB President Sazzad Zahid Chandan, later met the Speaker and submitted the memorandum. Copies were also handed over to the government chief whip.
In the memorandum, the alliance demanded that all international agreements, including the US trade deal, be placed before parliament in accordance with Article 145A of the Constitution. It called for the cancellation of all agreements deemed contrary to national interest.
The alliance alleged that the RTA would require Bangladesh to import US goods such as LNG, wheat, soybean, cotton, and other commodities at above-market prices, while granting tariff concessions on 6,710 US products. In contrast, they said Bangladesh would receive limited access to the US market, with export opportunities for only 1,638 products, many of which the country lacks capacity to supply.
They also questioned the legitimacy of the agreement, saying it was signed by an interim government shortly before elections without public mandate.
The alliance further urged parliament to adopt a condemnation motion against US and Israeli military actions in Iran and what they described as ongoing atrocities in Palestine, citing constitutional obligations under Article 25(c) to support oppressed peoples worldwide.
Leaders warned that if the agreement is not cancelled within the current parliamentary session ending April 30, they will launch nationwide protests on May 3. Divisional-level meetings are scheduled for May 4 and 5, followed by “larger and stricter” programmes if their demands are not met by May 9.
They called on all political parties and members of parliament to unite in defence of national interest and ensure transparency and accountability in foreign agreements.